Many Calif. brown pelican fledglings dying

LOS ANGELES (AP) - International Bird Rescue officials say large numbers of California brown pelican fledglings are starving to death, with struggling birds crowding rescue centers up and down the coast.

The rescuers are asking for donations to help feed the fledglings. Many of the young birds haven't learned to hunt for themselves, and are begging humans for food or foraging in areas away from the ocean. IBR spokeswoman Julie Skoglund in Los Angeles says many of them are struggling and dying in parking lots, public piers and beaches.

Rescues in Los Angeles and San Francisco are caring for over 150 birds and new ones arrive daily.

Officials say fledglings need to regain strength for a second chance at making it but that costs nearly $10 per bird per day.